Eczema Treatment with LDN
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder, that affects more than 10% adults and 20% children. A leading theory for eczema or AD is that disruption in the skin barrier leads to uncontrolled inflammation, increased permeability of the epidermis, disruption of regular skin flora (microbes living on the surface of the skin), and increased sensitivity to allergens.
These issues together behave as common symptoms of atopic dermatitis. This includes thickening of the skin, itching and dry skin among others. American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides safe and proven compounding medications to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and online nationwide.
Eczema and Low Dose Naltrexone
Several patient reports published in the last decade in various scientific literature show that lower than standard doses of naltrexone (also known as low dose naltrexone or LDN) can help in improving inflammation and itching in most conditions.
You should know that naltrexone is a form of opioid antagonist. It works towards blocking the receptors that heroin, morphine, and other opioids bind to. The FDA first cleared naltrexone for treating opioid addiction in 1984. The opioid was approved at a dosage of 50-100 mg per day.
The standard doses in scientific literature have now been termed as high-dose naltrexone (HDN). On the other hand, doses in the range of 1/10th (i.e., 1 – 4.5mg per day) of the drug are called low dose naltrexone (LDN) therapy.
LDN, as compared to HDN, has a shorter duration of action. Intermittent activities in the body activate alternative pathways, such as growth factor receptor axis of the opioid. This stimulates anti-inflammatory mediator release and decreases immune cell production.
HDN works towards revving up the immune system while LDN acts to block the overactivity of the immune system. There have been a few small cases in which the use of LDN on skin conditions has been published. The studies showed mixed success in terms of severity of itching and physical lesions.
It is noted that patients tolerated LDN treatment well. The only side effects of the treatment were vivid dreams and mild dry skin in a few patients.
LDN Effects on Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis
Itching and inflammation are important treatment targets in atopic dermatitis. LDN applications in treating atopic dermatitis are promising. Unfortunately, there have not been many trials and case reports on the oral ingestion of this drug in atopic patients. Topical application in the form of ointments and creams has been treated on patients with atopic dermatitis.
Interestingly, it is known that patients with eczema or AD have decreased levels of skin opioid receptors. This is thought to contribute to inflammation and itching. A study found that topical naltrexone increased the number of receptors in the skin resulting in better relief. These trials go a long way in suggesting that LDN can potentially increase the levels of opioid receptors in the skin.
AIP provides advanced compounding pharmacy solutions, including online prescription refills to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and online nationwide.
Contact Us For More Information about American Integrative Pharmacy’s Online Compound Prescriptions
For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.
American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Torrance, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Lomita and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.
